Facts About Smokeless Tobacco

Chewing tobacco, oral tobacco, spit or spitting tobacco, dip, chew, and snuff. These are all names for different types of smokeless tobacco. All contain nicotine and are harmful.

The two main types are:

Chewing tobacco--available as loose leaves, plugs (bricks), or twists of rope. A piece is placed between the cheek and lower lip, near the back of the mouth. The user then chews or holds it in place and spits or swallows the saliva.

Snuff--finely cut or powdered tobacco packaged moist or dry. It’s available loose or in small pouches like tea bags. The user puts a pinch or pouch of moist snuff between the cheek and gums or behind the lips.

Is It Addictive?Yes. Smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive. Smokeless tobacco users and smokers have similar levels of nicotine in their blood.

Is It Harmful?Yes. Smokeless tobacco has high levels of chemicals and other substances that can cause cancer. People who use smokeless tobacco have a high risk of mouth and throat cancer. They also have more dental problems. It can also cause leathery white patches that can turn into cancer.

How to QuitQuitting smokeless tobacco is a lot like quitting smoking, but it’s also a little different. Get tips to quit smokeless tobacco.

Learn more about the effect of nicotine on your body and get more tips and tools for quitting at Smokefree.gov.

Smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking.

For one-on-one coaching or to enroll in our QCARE Kick the Nic!* stopping tobacco use program, call 800.235.7111 or 501.228.7111 and ask to speak to a Care Manager.

*Health plans vary. Check with your employer or plan administrator to see if QCARE is included.